How to Regain your Confidence

[@kevinhill.8]

Given the terrible roll attempt and hyper speed wet exit at 9:15, my advice to a Austin would be working on his roll before anything else. Not only did he not set up for his roll, but then he didn’t even try a second or ask for a T-rescue despite being in flat water with two boats around him. Not trying to be overly critical, I’m just a big believer in getting confident in your roll to help gain confidence when upright. Strong roll = more comfortable pushing yourself, which leads to better skill building. And success begets success. My other advice to Austin is to get rid of that Flying Squirrel, haha. 🐿🤣

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Well, that is what choking on water can do for you. lol. He has had a whirlwind year doing some amazing things like hiking the John Muir Trail among others. Seat time has not been an option. As a relative beginner in whitewater, his roll is def not where he wants it to be. He has landed combat rolls with me before and even on video. But it has regressed somewhat. Winter pool sessions are helping with that. He immediately took some water down the pipe and that was the end of any effort to roll. My stance has always been and will always be to develop a solid roll as quickly as possible as that changes how we paddle and even approach every rapid. However, we were all there once too and I tend to work with people where they are. The Flying Squirrel is a fantastic boat...but he is on the prowl for a large Nirvana...lol

[@edsonjavierrr]

80% mental 20% skill? Good video Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Edson! Thanks!

[@AVAJourneys]

Pete, this was a nice video. This shows more of, not only how much you enjoy kayaking, but how much you enjoy seeing others enjoy, grow, and excel in it, as well. I saw a few things to practice in it, for sure. It also reminds me how patient you are, because you seem to love seeing others really get it. (I know this feeling from years of playing and teaching music, and composing… as well as skiing) … It was a pleasure to watch; as it is a pleasure to know you. We look forward to paddling with you again! - AVA Ashley

[@RiverKingsKayak]

thanks brother!! It really is fun to see progress, esp when it is a good friend or family! Cant wait to get back out on the water with you guys! Also cant wait to see the some AVA videos!!!

[@AVAJourneys]

@@RiverKingsKayak Awesome! We have some river vid in production. And, we have a backlog of some other video material. I had to miss the WV snowy run with crew this past weekend, due to work. But, we hope to work together on edit. Have an awesome day! -AVA Ashley

[@donhammer186]

Thanks' Pete. I'm not so much a whitewater enthusiast as I am a long hauler but you sure make it look like a lot of fun and still some skill's that apply to long boats. I live about 3 miles east of the Snake River and have often thought "I can do that" (maybe?). Sure do wish you lived closer Coach. And on that point, the right Coach makes all difference!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It is sooo much fun! Let me know if you are ever in the NC area...perhaps we can meet up on a river!

[@donhammer186]

@@RiverKingsKayak That's a long way from Idaho Bud, but, ya never know.

[@FakeJesseJuarez]

We WW paddle board. This summer we lost our friend. He was the one of the best to do it. That day broke me. I’ve never felt so helpless. For the last 3 years I’ve been so excited to get on the water but I know my “excitement” for this coming season is fake. Im just used to being excited and constantly talking about it. Im dreading the first run without him next to me. This sport helped me find life and an absolute love for life. I’m only 3 minutes into this video and I’m hoping it helps free my mind a little.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Man, thats tough. I have lost a few friends to the river. None of them were close friends and I was never there when it happened. I hope to never have to face what you are going through. I sincerely hope the video can help in some way even if just a little. More importantly, I hope and pray that you find your way back to enjoying the river again...always remembering your dear friend when that warm breeze blows up the river and the sun warms your face...with time, may the memories bring a smile, not a tear.

[@sarahcoomber1031]

Loved the video. My confidence has always been all over the place. It's taken 4+ months to fix Septembers epic but actually better now than before.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Sarah!! keep grinding!

[@lewisking1324]

Very useful! I only wish my wife and I had the opportunity to one day paddle with you and your son Pete! We don’t have the money that most people do. We are going through a hard time right now we live close to the Kentucky River, but I would like to take the time to thank you and your son for all the wonderful videos y’all have made, God bless you and thank you

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Lewis! I want to get back up to Kentucky soon.

[@lewisking1324]

No, thank you guys for the videos. It’s helped me stay alive to be honest with you. Learning yourself is very hard and honestly, I do things sometimes that I shouldn’t. I guess just need to find some people to go down the river with is all . we are in Tennessee not Kentucky. I must’ve missed spelt Nolichucky river. Anyway, God bless thanks for the video keep posting and may God always keep y’all safe

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@lewisking1324 Right on!

[@D-Ski-Bike-Kayak-Etc-cv5tm]

One of your best videos Pete! The mental game is not talked about enough in whitewater. And I think the mental game is a major reason why there is such a “quit rate” in this sport.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dennis!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

This reminds me so much of learning to snowboard. Once someone catches an edge and gets slammed on the cold hard ground there is a period often where the person is very scared of catching that edge again...you are right, just have to ease back into it, regaining that confidence and correcting what caused the edge catch in the first place.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Sean!!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

@@RiverKingsKayak you are a good guy Pete...I don't care what anyone says about you. LOL! Awesome video.

[@iangustafsonkayaking6149]

This video was amazingly instructive for me (but all your vids are). Your understanding of "lost confidence" is spot on. My skills are just about where Autin's are at, and my friend keeps telling me that I think too much and that the game is mostly mental. I know it's true! You are doing a genuine service to the sport. Cheer's, from Oregon!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks a ton Ian! We have all been there. I hope it helps...at least a little!

[@tombeckett4340]

I’m a canoe head so things in white water are definitely different than your kayak. Thanks 🇨🇦👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Tom! I actually started my paddling journey as a 12yr old on a father/son canoe trip to Algonquin...There will always be a spot in my heart for a canoe!

[@EdDaveKayaking]

Great video Pete. As you said, losing your mojo can come at the strangest times. Your tips and this video go along way to helping to restore it. Thanks, as always, for your enthusiasm, guidance and tutoring. Stay safe.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Ed&Dave!

[@Covingsworth]

recently found the channel, absolutely love the vids man!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Covingsworth! Welcome aboard!

[@jacobhambright2941]

Boy did I need this video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Brother!

[@eprohoda]

good moring! super.this is beautiful upload~

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thank you!

[@MTmixer84]

Great video as always, also a great lesson that can be applied to all sorts of pursuits we strive to excel at

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks 4O6FL! for sure!

[@pop4725]

Always learning from these episodes

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Pop!

[@litepinkerin]

Due to me kayaking only a few times, I still get anxiety with it like I do with close to everything. I will have to try this next time I get on the river. Thanks!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It gets better and better with seat time Erin! Keep grinding!

[@rosscampbell4884]

I faced this issue after falling off a cliff mountain biking should have died but didn't returned to the same trail next ride to face the fear if I hadn't every ride after would have been shadowed by that aforementioned fear I had a great ride came away more confident than ever

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Wow! Glad that worked out! Way to get back after it!

[@tombeckett4340]

It sounds like you’re in the States with your accent. That’s great information thanks.🇨🇦👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed Tom! North Carolina!

[@timrippeto7539]

Great video Pete

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tim!

[@fayleya3865]

This was great! Many thanks

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Fayley!

[@guth3891]

Hell yeah Pete ❤️ it

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks GUTH!

[@canajian]

[@bobbystaats1145]

Austin looks good in that yellow boat 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💦💦💦💦💦💦